As Gambian Intransigence Worsens, Britain Expel Gambian Diplomat, Cancel Scholarships The Independent (Banjul) October 1, 2001 Posted to the web October 1, 2001 Banjul, the Gambia A communiqué from Baroness Amos Britain's Foreign Office Minister for Africa has ordered the deputy Gambian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom to leave today as a retaliatory measure against the expulsion from The Gambia of the deputy British High Commissioner Bharat Joshi in August. In a move equal to the manner of Joshi's expulsion, Fatou AK. Njie was given 72 hours to leave the UK, by the British government who believe that their diplomat's expulsion from The Gambia a month ago should not go unchallenged. Mrs Njie's expulsion comes a month after Bharat Joshi was declared persona non-grata and expelled by the Gambian authorities in protest over his presence at a press conference organised by the opposition. Confirming her expulsion John Perrott the British High Commissioner here told The Independent Saturday that the British government challenge the allegation of unwarranted behaviour against Mr. Joshi whose expulsion his government holds is entirely unjustified and violates Article 3 of the Vienna Convention, which provides inter alia that "the functions of a diplomatic mission consist in ascertaining by all lawful means conditions and developments in the receiving state, and reporting thereon to the government of the sending state". The British argued that the Gambia government's complaint over Joshi's presence at an opposition press conference that was open to all was unfounded. "He has in the past attended government and IEC press conferences" their communiqué stated, emphasizing that attendance at press conferences is part of the normal work of diplomats. "Following and reporting on domestic political development is a necessary part of their job" it said. "We have given the Gambian government every opportunity to reverse this decision. They have failed to do so. In the current circumstances relations cannot continue to be normal" Baroness Amos said. As a result of failed negotiations to have Mr. Joshi recalled the British government also announced that it has cancelled a planned ship's visit to The Gambia and withdrawn offers of Chevening scholarships for Gambian officials to study in the United Kingdom. The British also pointed out that the relationship between Britain and The Gambia would be put under review, a measure, about which High Commissioner Perrott said Britain would be open-minded. The Gambia's intransigence over Joshi's expulsion also caused the British to call into question this country's commitment to a fair and open democratic process. They said Gambia's decision in respect of Joshi gives cause for concern over the political environment in the country and "does the government of The Gambia no good". However, Baroness Amos the Foreign Office Minister for Africa also emphasised that Britain would continue their support to the Independent Electoral Commission and the over all effort to strengthen the democratic process in The Gambia, a stance re-emphasized by High Commissioner Perrott. "No other actions are being contemplated by my government" he said. Mr. Perrott also assured that no other form of British intervention in The Gambia like DFID programme would be a casualty of the diplomatic standoff, which had also led to the prevention of a Gambian trade delegation led by Trade and Industry Secretary Musa Sillah from visiting the United Kingdom for a trade mission scheduled from 1 to 8 September. "By agreement with The Gambia government there was no new programme or expansion until the middle of next year" he said of the DFID programmes (which is designed to bolster good governance and the assault on poverty). Other forms of cooperation like the military and police would however be put on hold. Responding to accusations that the British were helping to spoil The Gambia's image, Mr. Perrott said that they are without foundation. He said no member of the British mission in The Gambia was found going beyond the scope of their work by unduly involving themselves in the internal affairs of the country. On the question of long queues by Gambian visa applicants he said that applicants come on their own accord. The British High Commissioner also praised the effort of the Independent Electoral Commission in ensuring that the process leading to the presidential election is on course. "It has so far being conducted in a peaceful and orderly way and I hope that will continue," he remarked. _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe/subscribe or view archives of postings, go to the Gambia-L Web interface at: http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/gambia-l.html You may also send subscription requests to [log in to unmask] if you have problems accessing the web interface and remember to write your full name and e-mail address. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------